Senegal Starlink license legal dispute

The Supreme Court of Senegal has ordered the provisional suspension of Starlink’s operating license to provide fixed satellite internet services. This legal measure follows an appeal regarding the authorization granted to the SpaceX subsidiary in November 2025 under the government’s ‘New Deal Technologique’ program.

The suspension follows challenges from the Sonatel workers' union and the historical electronic communications operator, Sonatel. Sonatel is contesting the ministerial decree, arguing that the authorization threatens its economic interests and competitive standing after the company made significant financial commitments to the state, including approximately 134.5 billion CFA francs in fees for 4G and 5G licenses.

Beyond economic concerns, the dispute involves issues of digital sovereignty and Sonatel’s obligations regarding universal service and network coverage. The Starlink service, which launched in Senegal in February 2026, was intended to support a government initiative to provide internet access to approximately one million citizens through the acquisition of 5,000 kits.